Qualifications for politicians

[David]

Most high level jobs require pretty decent qualifications. They may be formal, demonstrated through real-world experience, or simply be apparent during the interviewing process. What qualifications, though, does it take to be a federal politician? I ask, of course, because of this:

http://youtu.be/o63FGy3mPWI

Obviously I'm not much of a fan of the corruption, callousness and sheer opportunism of the current lot in power, but at least they have a semblance of intelligence and education and a vague idea of what it is they're doing. Is that too much to expect as a basic minimum? Or is the ability to elect idiots just a necessary evil of democracy?

[watt price tully]

[Mugwump]

Oh, dear. But as the old saying goes, hard cases make bad law. I'd hate to have qualifications for a group that are already too specialised and professionalised and distant from the reality of their constituents. Ben Chifley was a train driver, Bill Hayden a policeman. They seem like good qualifications to start.

[Tannin]

No qualifications, just ban the parasites who produce nothing, achieve nothing, benefit no-one, and enrich themselves and their wealthy clients: no more accountants, financial advisors, lawyers, or real estate agents.

No gain without pain here, we would lose the services of the 30% of lawyers, 20% of accountants, 10% of financial planners and 0% of real estate agents who actually do real, useful work and have a contribution to make to a decent society, but that's a price worth paying.

[swoop42]

Being a c**t.

[Mugwump]

[1061]

She just needs a little media training something like any AFL Footballer gets.

[David]

^ a little education about Islam, Sharia Law and�well, anything�wouldn't go astray either.

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-19/jacqui-lambie-calls-for-ban-on-burkas-in-public/5756136

[1061]

Hey if it's good enough for France it's good enough for us.

Imagine a Burka wearing Motorbike rider going into a bank, she HAS to remove her helmet but the Burka can stay on, is that logical?

[stui magpie]

Interesting. Last thing we want is for politicians to have to have a freaking uni degree or a formal qual.

Lots of people, certainly me, has been hoping for more real people elected into politics and less party hacks who get their pre selection from the party machine. And then we get some. Oh dear.

Jackie Mutton-dressed-up-as-Lambie is far from the sharpest tool in the shed. Seriously if you're going to make comment (as is a politicians want) about something like Sharia law FFS do a teeny bit of research first so you know WTF you're talking about. It's OK to have a wrong opinion, even a stupid one, but some checking would be useful for an elected representative of the country. Geez, she's channelling Pauline Hanson's retarded half sister.

On the other hand, I don't know what her electorate is like. Maybe she is actually doing a perfect job of representing the opinions of the people of her electorate

[David]

She's a Senator, so her 'electorate' is the entire population of Tasmania.

Before you laugh too much, though, remember that 'we' elected Ricky Muir of the kangaroo poo-throwing party. Facepalm.

[Mugwump]

Actually, thinking about this, perhaps a basic training programme for any new MP woudl be a good idea. Basics of parliamentary procedure, critical thinking, world history and governance, that kind of thing. It probably would not hurt, and if they passed a test they could skip certain modules.

Regardless, I suspect that Sen Lambie won't be around for too long. Stupid does get found out in a democracy. It just takes a little time.

[Tannin]

[stui magpie]

[Pies4shaw]

Personally, I'd prefer it if there were a minimum prerequisite of being warm-blooded.